Kevin Couch has resigned from his newly acquired post as senior vice president of artistic programming at the Kennedy Center, ending his tenure abruptly less than two weeks after his appointment was publicly announced on January 16. The resignation was confirmed by Couch via email on Thursday, noting his departure took place the day prior, but he did not disclose a rationale for this sudden development. Attempts to obtain comments from Kennedy Center representatives about Couch’s exit have not been met with immediate response.
The Kennedy Center leadership had expressed optimism upon Couch’s hiring. President Ric Grenell, in the initial press release, praised Couch's abilities, highlighting his "clear-eyed approach" towards curating engaging performances that seek to "invite and inspire all audiences." Grenell also referenced an institutional ambition to broaden what was termed "commonsense programming."
Couch’s departure coincides with a period of heightened tension at the venerable performing arts institution, which has seen a wave of cancellations from prominent artists. These withdrawals represent protest actions targeting leadership changes made following President Donald Trump’s appointments to the institution’s board of trustees. Late last year, this board also made the controversial decision to append the Republican president’s name to the Kennedy Center, a move that has sparked significant dissent.
Within the past week alone, notable figures in the arts have publicly disengaged from Kennedy Center events. Composer Philip Glass cancelled a world premiere of a symphony centered on Abraham Lincoln, originally scheduled at the venue. Additionally, the acclaimed soprano Renée Fleming retracted from two performances planned for May. These cancellations underscore the fractious environment enveloping the institution’s artistic community.
Adding to the politically charged atmosphere, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are anticipated to attend a red carpet event at the Kennedy Center on Thursday. This occasion marks the premiere of "Melania," a documentary produced by the First Lady documenting the 20 days preceding the President’s return to the White House. The event exemplifies the intersection of politics and culture currently characterizing the Kennedy Center’s programmatic and leadership direction.